# Moe

/ˈmoʊ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/moe
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. attraction to fictional characters

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang

a strong feeling of affection or attraction toward cute characters in anime, manga, or video games.

For teachers: a subcultural term for a strong affective response toward fictional characters, typically characterized by their perceived cuteness or vulnerability.

- The new series is popular because the main character has a lot of moe.
- Critics argued that the show relied too heavily on moe tropes to appeal to its core demographic rather than developing a complex narrative.

Teaching tip: This term originated in Japanese fan culture and is specifically used when discussing anime, manga, or gaming communities.

### 2. cute or adorable

adjective · CEFR C1 · Slang

used to describe a fictional character that is very cute and makes you want to protect them.

For teachers: denoting a specific aesthetic of cuteness in fictional media that elicits a protective or affectionate response from the audience.

- She loves drawing moe girls with giant eyes and colorful hair.
- The artist specialized in moe character designs, focusing on expressive features that conveyed a sense of innocence and charm.

## Examples

- The poll shows the candidate leading by five points with a 3% moe.
- When the difference between two candidates is smaller than the moe, the race is considered a statistical tie.
- Increasing the sample size generally reduces the moe, providing a more precise estimate of the population's true characteristics and narrowing the confidence interval.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.